Impact of a collaboration revolving around virtual capacity evaluations

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of virtual capacity assessments on access to medical care, community supports, and transitions to higher levels of care. Study Setting: Virtual capacity evaluations of homebound suspected elder abuse/neglect/financial exploitation victims identified via exclusion criteria and initiated by Cuyahoga County adult protective services (APS) and conducted with Cleveland Clinic Geriatric Medicine. Study Design: A retrospective chart review was conducted in conjunction with APS using their database to determine the outcomes of individuals who underwent virtual capacity evaluation from May 2020 through September 2021. Variables collected included completion of a statement of expert evaluation, guardianship assignment, offering community services, transfer to a higher level of care, and establishment of primary care. Data Collection/Extraction: Data were extracted from medical records and the APS database. Outcomes were measured as percentages. Principal Findings: Fifty-four individuals underwent evaluation. Statements of expert evaluation were completed in 38 cases (70%). Guardianship was assigned in 28 cases (52%). Community services were offered to 51 (89%). Thirty-one (57%) remained at home. At baseline, only 23 (43%) were receiving primary care. Post evaluation, 44 (81%) were connected or reconnected to their medical provider. Conclusion: Of individuals who underwent our virtual capacity evaluations, most were able to remain at home, offered community services for support, and linked to primary care.